Elizabeth "Betty" Carolyn Martin

Elizabeth “Betty” Carolyn Martin, (age 91) of Terre Haute passed away on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute. She was born on November 2, 1933, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky to Earl F. Snyder and Marie Baertich Snyder of Cannelton, Indiana.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; and her beloved husband, Frank Martin, after 47 years of marriage. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Ann Ettensohn, nephews, Michael R. Ettensohn and Robert H. Ettensohn, three grand nieces, three grand nephews and five great nieces and nephews.

Betty graduated from Cannelton High School in 1951 and in 1955 earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Indiana University. She later returned to Indiana University and earned her Master’s Degree in Library Science.

Betty worked at the Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute for 41 dedicated years. She served in a variety of positions at the library until being named Executive Director. Betty served as the Executive Director until retiring in 1999.

Betty was an active member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Terre Haute where she served on numerous boards and committees. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary 104, the German Oberlandler Club, Vigo County League of Women Voters, Red Hat Society, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Indiana State University and the American Library Association. Betty served on the Alumni Board of the Indiana University School of Library and Information Services and was President of the Indiana Library Association (Federation). In addition, she also served as an active participant in numerous civic and community activities.

After her husband Frank’s death in 2003, Betty began volunteering with the Terre Haute Community Band and Sinfonetta. For 20 plus years, Betty served as a board member, grant writer, publicity chairperson, and activity organizer. She often said her work with the Community Band and Sinfonetta was a second career, just unpaid.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. at the church, just prior to the mass. Following the service, Betty will be laid to rest in Calvary Cemetery, Terre Haute, next to her beloved husband, Frank. A reception will be held at the church following the cemetery service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Community Band of Terre Haute, or to a charity of your choice.